Time For Rupert geared towards Newbury date

Paul Webber believes Time For Rupert will benefit enormously from his humbling experience behind Kauto Star and Long Run at Haydock.

One of last season’s star novices, the seven-year-old was beaten 25 lengths in the Betfair Chase and will have his sights lowered considerably for his next run, at Newbury next month.

If all goes to plan in Berkshire, an appearance in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on January 28 could be on the cards.

“Rupert is in good order, he’s very fresh after Haydock,” said Webber.

“I think he learned an awful lot in a very short space of time there.

“He’ll go for a graduation chase at Newbury on December 14 next.

“That will be his third start of the year so then he’ll probably have a break until the Argento, or something like that.”